San Jose, CA -- January 20, 2004 -- Summit Microelectronics announced its new SML2120 laser diode controller for computing and netcomm applications. The device can control direct modulation, electro-absorptive, distributed feedback (DFB) and vertical-cavity surface emitting (VCSEL) type lasers. The controller has dual lookup tables so that two parameters, such as temperature and device aging, can be independently prestored and then utilized to adjust bias and modulation currents over the life of the device.

The SML2120 is an advanced, programmable laser diode power controller that is ideal for optical applications including SAN (storage area network). An integrated automatic power control (APC) circuit adapts to variations in the laser's power output as detected by a monitor photo diode or external temperature sensor.

In addition to a high current laser bias output, the SML2120 drives two low-current outputs derived from values stored in independent 256x8 lookup tables. The low- current outputs are suitable for controlling the MODSET input of typical laser ICs. The input stimulus for each lookup table can be configured as the laser temperature, the bias current or an external signal. Characteristics of the laser's performance over time and temperature are stored in the lookup tables, allowing the outputs to adapt to system conditions to optimize overall performance.

Programming of configuration and control values is simplified with an on-chip I2C interface. Summit's standard I2C interface adaptor SMX3200 and accompanying Windows "GUI" programming software (available from Summit Microelectronics) simplify the process of using the SML2120's I2C interface.


SMX3200 INTERFACE ADAPTOR

The SMX3200 is a complete development tool that lets designers easily manipulate the characteristics of their system. The SMX3200 design kit includes menu-driven Microsoft Windows® graphic user interface (GUI) software to automate programming tasks and also includes all necessary hardware to interface to the parallel port of a laptop or PC.

Once a user completes design and prototyping, SMX3200 automatically generates a HEX data file that can be transmitted to Summit for review and approval. Summit then assigns a unique customer identification code to the HEX file and programs the customer's production devices prior to final electrical test operations. This ensures that device will operate properly in the end application. The design kit software can be downloaded today from Summit's website www.summitmicro.com.


DESIGN KIT FOR AUTOMATED PROTOTYPE DEVELOPMENT

An evaluation card containing the SML2120 controller and all required associated circuitry, and a port for "plug and play" programming via the SMX33200 dongle interface is available.


PRICING AND AVAILABILITY

Available in volume quantities today, the SML2120 comes in a 28-pin QFN surfacemount package. Pricing is $5.75 in 10,000 unit quantities.

ABOUT SUMMIT

Summit Microelectronics supplies semiconductors that manage power functions in communications, networking, storage and server systems. With Summit's programmable analog technology, customers can achieve carrier-class availability, the highest standard of reliability available today for telecommunications, data communications and Internet applications.

Founded in 1997, Summit is headquartered in San Jose, California. The Company is ISO 9001 certified.

Summit Microelectronics, Inc.
1717 Fox Drive
San Jose, CA 95131
Tel: +1.408-436-9890
www.summitmicro.com

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